According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic is set to join Qatari club Al-Duhail.
REPORT: Juventus Striker Mario Mandzukic Set To Leave For Qatar
Mario Mandzukic Has Fallen out of Favour at Juventus
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 has seen Mario Mandzukic fall out of favour at Juventus. The 33-year-old is yet to make an appearance so far this season.
Having joined in 2015, the Croatian has always faced competition up front. However, he has often seen off the competition – or been rotated with Paulo Dybala – to make more than appearances in each of his last four seasons in Italy.
However, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo saw a significant reduction in his playing time last season. Mandzukic made just 33 appearances in total, scoring 10 times, maintaining his record of reaching double figures in every season with Juventus.
Furthermore, another reason for the Croatian falling out of favour is Juventus’ change in manager. Maurizio Sarri has preferred to use Gonzalo Higuain as the spearhead of his attack, leaving no space for Mandzukic.
Juventus may miss the strength-in-depth, however. They currently sit level on points with Inter Milan at the top of Serie A, in a battle that looks set to last the entire season. As a result, Mandzukic may have been a useful addition to call on.
Al-Duhail Challenge
Mario Mandzukic was linked with a move to Manchester United at one point, according to Sky Sports. However, they have been exploring alternative targets to Mandzukic. As a result, Mandzukic has decided to make the move to Qatar.
Al-Duhail currently sit top of the Qatar Stars League, the top-flight in Qatar. They are managed by Jose Mourinho’s former assistant, Rui Faria.
If Mandzukic makes the move, he will be joining former Juventus team-mate Mehdi Benatia. Benatia made the move to Qatar in January in an €8 million deal.
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